![tribune tribune](https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2251759-editorialxfinalfix-15932815781594457933-0/2251759-editorialxfinalfix-15932815781594457933-0.jpg)
The government was dissatisfied with the PBS’s work on releasing inflation readings and its overall performance. With regard to this aspect, it is admirable that the government is reorganising departments instead of allowing them to function inefficiently as they have so far been allowed to do. As for the role of the Planning Division, there has been a dearth of strong statistical recordkeeping. Poor statistical data has resulted in weak planning and inadequate remedies in many areas such as housing and infrastructure. We look forward to quality data collection and statistics that will better inform the Planning Division in its projects.
The upcoming National Accounts Committee meeting will be chaired by the Ministry secretary instead of the former Statistics Division secretary. With new roles, there should be accountability of the department. Similarly, if the Statistics Division is to be transformed into the Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Division, it is necessary to keep regular check. Poverty alleviation is one of the main pathways towards better security and stability and is closely linked to the work of the Planning Division which will focus on statistics related to trade, industry, and prices. The Planning Division will need to configure a thorough system of communication and cooperation between provincial and federal controls.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 7th, 2019.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ